Why aren't I losing weight?

[medsecslave]

I'm 5'6" and weigh 10st 11lbs which I know isn't really overweight but I'm going on holiday soon and would like to lose a bit now before gaining it on holiday. I'm following the Slimming World diet religiously but it's like 2lbs off then 2lbs on and I seem to be stuck at this weight. I've been doing 20 minutes a day on an exercise bike for the last fortnight and my weight still isn't coming off. If I'm building up muscle, how long before I should see some weight loss? Where am I going wrong? Any suggestions would be welcomed - thanks!

[medsecslave]

I'm not 56 by the way - five foot six inches!!

[claireyfairy]

muscle weighs more than fat hun ,so if you are building muscle and were only losing weight at around 2lbs a week then this is why you are not losing any more.

also if you were not excercising b4 then your body will be in panic mode and holding on to the carbs in your food to use for the extra energy now required.

[Backdrifter]

Having weight-loss targets like you said is not good practice. If you're choosing a diet regime, think long-term and just eat sensibly with as much regular exercise as you can, in order to be as healthy as possible for the rest of your life, not just for a holiday.

The bike is good exercise if used properly but won't necessarily cause muscle build-up, nor will it guarantee your quickly shedding pounds and pounds. This is why you need to view your diet and exercise pattern as being for keeps, rather than for the holiday. Having short-term goals and methods just makes you panic if/when it doesn't seem to be working. Commercial diets are unnecessary - just eat a balanced diet all the time.

[medsecslave]

Generally I do have a healthy diet. Two years ago I lost a stone and a half through SW and have pretty much maintained my present weight since then through sensible eating. I would just like to lose around 7lbs which is why I went back to the diet and added in the exercise. I couldn't face going to the class this morning to again be told I hadn't lost weight when I've put so much into it!!

[wilsarnie]

First of all, well done! Although I do have to say that muscle weighs more than fat but it only makes a difference to us weight-wise if we have the physique of a body builder.

Medsecslave it's important that you vary your routine. 20 mins on a bike everyday is great but think about different aerobic activities too; swimming, walking, exercise classes to help your body but to keep boredom at bay for your motivation as well!

If you do want to tone up you'll need to do some relevant work in the gym or in body conditioning classes, as Backdrifter said just pedalling on a bike isn't going to build up muscle.

Keep up the excellent work with the diet and don't lose faith.

[wilsarnie]

Oh and you've only been doing it 2 weeks - give yourself some time!! That 2 lbs up and down could be something simple like water retention. You have to give yourself at a couple of months to see some sort of effect (but it won't help if your holiday's before then, sorry!!